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Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Max Verstappen will bring the fight to world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Last year Hamilton romped to his sixth Drivers’ title, his only rival being his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
That’s pretty much been the story since 2014.
In the past six years Mercedes have bagged four 1-2s in the Drivers’ standings, dominating grand prix Sundays.
This year, though, many are predicting that Red Bull could be more involved in the fight with Verstappen challenging Hamilton for the World title.
Last year he managed just three wins with Mercedes taking 15.
This year Herbert reckons the championship race it will be a lot closer.
GPBlog reports him as having told RTL GP: “I don’t think much will change compared to what we saw during testing in Barcelona, there is not really anyone working at the moment because of the shutdown.
“When the wheels finally start turning, I think that we will see what we expected in Australia.”
And what Herbert expected was Red Bull and most notably Max Verstappen to take the fight to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
“The battles will be closer,” he added.
“I think Red Bull is closest to Mercedes, but it will be Max Verstappen who will have to bring the fight to Lewis Hamilton.”
The former racer reckons Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel could also be in the mix, saying six-time World Champion Hamilton is relishing the prospect of an intense battle.
“He’d absolutely hopes that happens, because that’s what Lewis is all about – racing,” he said.
“That’s what Max is all about, Charles Leclerc, Sebastian Vettel and hopefully Valtteri Bottas as well.
“We still have a good chance of a great season.”
